Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Free one-on-one consulting for Maryland founders, from idea to expansion

Service ProviderDMV-wide

About Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

What it is

The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has provided advisory and consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses since 1988. It is part of the national SBDC network and is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State of Maryland and the University of Maryland, College Park, where its Lead Center is based. The program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the SBA. Its stated mission is to help grow small businesses and launch start-ups through consulting and training.

What it offers founders

The core services are confidential one-on-one consulting, training, and market and industry research. Consulting is free and covers areas such as money management, marketing and help obtaining funding from various sources. Training includes workshops, seminars and courses offered at no cost or a nominal fee, delivered online, as webinars and in face-to-face evening sessions. The New Venture Series walks new owners from the free Ready, Set, Go! class through business plan development. The SBDC is also accredited to provide intellectual property and technology commercialization assistance.

Specialized programs include Technology and AI Advisory Services (commercialization, SBIR/STTR proposal support, applied AI and government contracting readiness), the CEO Accelerator, Credit to Capital financial readiness support, Hub Business Connection, Retail and Restaurant support, Business Research Platforms and Manufacturing Resources. See the consulting overview for details.

Who it is for

Services are aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners in Maryland, from startup to established companies. The technology advisory team works with researchers, engineers and early to growth stage companies in fields such as biotech, IT, cybersecurity, engineering, clean energy and agriculture. The SBDC states that it can assist only those legally present in the United States.

How to engage

Founders request help through the online Request Assistance form, to be connected with SBDC consulting. The network operates regional offices covering the Corridor, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western and Baltimore regions, plus the Lead Center; hours depend on the host location and meetings are by appointment. Find your office on the locations page and browse upcoming classes on the training page.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

For a founder in Maryland, the SBDC is a no-cost first stop for business planning, financing preparation and research access before paying for outside advisors. Its technology and AI advisory work connects tech founders to SBIR/STTR preparation and Maryland funding sources such as TEDCO programs, and its statewide footprint means support is available outside the Baltimore and DC corridors as well. More background is on the About Us page.

Programs

Business Consulting
Free, confidential one-on-one consulting for aspiring and existing small businesses on topics including money management, marketing and obtaining funding.
Technology and AI Advisory Services
No-cost guidance on technology commercialization, SBIR/STTR grant proposals, applied AI for small business, and government contracting and financing readiness.
CEO Accelerator Program
Coaching program aimed at building a profitable business that runs without the owner; its Manufacturing Accelerator is a 2-day virtual program listed at $89 for accepted Maryland-connected businesses.
Credit to Capital Program
Financial readiness support covering business and personal credit, financial statements, cash flow and loan preparation, connected to the SSBCI-funded BRIDGE partner network administered with TEDCO.
Business Training and New Venture Series
Workshops, webinars and courses at no cost or a nominal fee, including the free Ready, Set, Go! class and business plan development sessions.

Who it serves

Aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in Maryland, from startups to established companies, including technology and research-based ventures.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Maryland SBDC consulting cost?

One-on-one consulting is free. Most training is offered at no cost or a nominal fee, and some specialized programs such as the CEO Accelerator charge a listed fee.

Who is eligible for help?

Aspiring and existing small businesses in Maryland at any stage. The SBDC states it can only assist those legally present in the United States.

How do I get started?

Submit the online Request Assistance form on the Maryland SBDC website, to request consulting.

Where are the offices?

The network has Corridor, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western and Baltimore regional offices plus a Lead Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. Meetings are by appointment.

Does the SBDC help technology startups?

Yes. Its Technology and AI Advisory Services support commercialization, SBIR/STTR proposals, applied AI and government contracting readiness at no cost.